Northern Illinois Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Utica
Starved Rock State Park which includes forests
Northern Illinois showing heritage architecture
Starved Rock State Park showing interior views
Starved Rock State Park featuring forests and a gorge or canyon

Crisscrossed by the Mississippi and Rock rivers, this nature-lover’s playground was also the boyhood home of three United States presidents.

The unique landscapes and historic small towns of Northern Illinois make it a visually arresting Midwest region, perfect for outdoor adventures. Drive north from Chicago, passing prairies dotted with stone monoliths, rolling hills and rocky bluffs. Connect with presidential history in the small towns where Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan once lived.

Begin your trip outside Ottawa in Starved Rock State Park, one of the state’s most popular outdoor spaces, known for its dramatic rock formations. Go skydiving for unforgettable views of the rivers and landscapes of the region.

Move north to Dixon and visit the Lincoln Memorial & Old Settlers Cabin, on the site of historic Fort Dixon. From here a young Abraham Lincoln fought in the Black Hawk War. Learn about more modern history at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, which explores the family’s humble beginnings.

Once you reach the Mississippi farther west, visit Mississippi Palisades State Park, rich in Native American history as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating. Bikers love nearby Savanna. Explore the classic bike and memorabilia collection and have a beer at the Iron Horse Social Club.

Admire 19th-century architecture and natural beauty in Galena, near the northern state border. Ski at the Chestnut Mountain Resort or hike through Native American sites and bird sanctuaries in the Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve.

Northern Illinois is the region west of Chicago, just south of Wisconsin. Fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive from Ottawa or into the smaller Chicago Rockford International Airport farther west, which offers connections to other Midwest states and Canada. Rent a car at the airport or drive your own from home. The region’s parks are best accessed in a personal vehicle.

Whatever your fitness level, the state parks in Northern Illinois offer wilderness experiences for all, no matter how prepared for exercise you may be.

Where to stay in Northern Illinois

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The Galena Territory

The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, but Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

The Galena Territory
Galena showing a city

Galena Historic District

Travellers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Old Market House and Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum while you're in town.

Galena Historic District
Downtown Dubuque which includes modern architecture and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Travellers come to Downtown Dubuque for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Five Flags Center and Dubuque Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Davenport showing a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Davenport
Rockford which includes general coastal views and a city

Downtown Rockford

If you're spending some time in Downtown Rockford, BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Rockford
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Historic Millwork District

While Historic Millwork District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Five Flags Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Historic Millwork District
Stoney Creek Inn Galena

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,213 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

3 out of 5
3330 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA
The price is AU$98 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$98
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We arrived late at night and the beds were very comfortable and the room was clean. Breakfast was fulfilling."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
The price is AU$128 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$128
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,258 reviews)
"The staff was excellent, breakfast so good, and conveniently located off highway."

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2558 N 3653 Road, Sheridan, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sheridan. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (567 reviews)
"We love coming here. So many activities to do and the staff is always so friendly and accommodating! Hoping to come back again!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG
Charming BRAND NEW 2-bedroom house with Hottub in lovely Galena countryside

Charming BRAND NEW 2-bedroom house with Hottub in lovely Galena countryside

Galena
Stay at this vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Galena Golf Club and J Dubuque Monument are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"What a beautiful property. Clean, private, and a perfect get-away for my family. My parents loved the house so much we almost had to drag them out! We loved everything about it, but my favorite part was definitely the hottub and the fire pit outside. Would definitely love to come back in the ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Charming BRAND NEW 2-bedroom house with Hottub in lovely Galena countryside
1850 Cabin Home, Waterfall, Family Getaway, Corporate Party,  Weddings

1850 Cabin Home, Waterfall, Family Getaway, Corporate Party, Weddings

East Dubuque
Stay at this vacation home in East Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Check in was easy, everything we needed was on site as described. Wish we had more time to enjoy the outdoor of the property."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

1850 Cabin Home, Waterfall, Family Getaway, Corporate Party, Weddings
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Northern Illinois